SCV Railroad Historical Society Preserves Tradition
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, June 27th, 2024
![]() Pictured (l-r) are Dan Phipps, Ken Van Fleet, John Gartman, and Larry Jennings. Article/photo credit Brandy Hollis. Last week I asked a friend if he knew anyone or anything that I might have missed when writing about the good people of this community. He said yes—the Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historical Society (SCRVRHS). Last night was the fireworks booth safety meeting at the city and I was introduced to the kind group of SCRVRHS men who told me they have been in existence since 1993. Their main goal is the preservation and education of the railway used by Fillmore Western. Larry was an engineer and the others were mechanics. They also restored an old engine right here in town. They are headed up by their president John Gartman. They maintain the property that meets up with Mountain View with the train turntable. Since the railway is no longer in operation their organization needs all the help they can get to keep operating with their mission. This year they will have a fireworks booth at the old Texaco station on the highway. All proceeds from their Safe & Sane fireworks booth will help with the preservation for generations to come. The public is welcome to their monthly meetings the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7pm; they run railroad videos at this time as well. On the first Wednesday of the month at 7pm they hold their board meetings and the public is welcome but only members are allowed to vote. The meetings are held at the old Fillmore Fire Station on Main Street, north of city hall. |